Player Updates

Yankees manager Joe Girardi could use outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner in the first two spots of the lineup regularly in 2015, MLB.com reports.

"It's definitely a possibility," Girardi said. "I think that both of them are capable of leading off. Ells has done it a little more in his career than Gardy, but I just kind of like the combination of those two guys together."

The Yankees slotted the two outfielders atop the team's first Grapefruit League lineup Tuesday afternoon. With the retirement of shortstop Derek Jeter leaving the second slot open, Ellsbury and Gardner have the opportunity to show what they can do back-to-back.

"We'll take a look at it a lot this spring as we try to keep the outfielders together a lot early on and the infielders together, just to see how it works," Girardi said. "Left-handed, right-handed, in my mind right now, I'm not really worried either way."

The two outfielders combined for 60 stolen bases in 2014, and Girardi indicated that he'd like to see the pair continue to pressure opposing pitchers.

MLB.com reports that Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is working with trainers on a plan that would enable him to play before the end of the season. He missed Saturday's game against the Blue Jays with a hamstring injury and was out of Sunday's starting lineup as well.

An MRI revealed that Ellsbury sustained a mild right hamstring strain, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he would receive "a few days off" before the team would assess the situation.

Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

Ellsbury is expected to undergo an MRI Saturday after being removed from action the previous day with a hamstring injury. He has hit .271/.328/.419 with 16 home runs, 70 RBI and 39 stolen bases in 575 at-bats.